Advice

(All photos not credited courtesy of Square One Organic and Del Maguey). Some recipes adapted by Michael Nagy.

Square One Organic Spirits, LLC – Novato, California

Square One, a pioneer in organic spirits, uses 100% organic Montana rye and pure water from the aquifer originating from the Teton Mountains in Wyoming. The bottle labels are made from a blend of bamboo, sugarcane and cotton, which are also organic.

In celebrating "National Cognac Day", here is a Cognac primer. Cognac is synonymous with "fancy," something rich folks sip after dinner in a snifter. Do most people know its French? What kind of spirit is it actually? Brandy, perhaps. What do all those acronyms XO and VSOP mean? Yes, it refers to the age of the cognac, but a little more complicated.

The classic Hemingway Daiquiri is my "Cocktail of the Week" and great for sipping in the summer months. Enjoy the different takes on this classic libation. Also, because I was in the daiquiri 'spirit', I included a great You Tube video from my friend and colleague, Marsha Meyer, on making a proper Daiquiri - check it out along with the classic recipe. BTW, this Daiquiri is not the frozen kind.

As with most infamous classic cocktails, there are many theories as to the origin of the “Manhattan”. By definition and in the truest sense, the Manhattan is a splendid, well-balanced cocktail. The warmth and full-body character of the whiskey, the sweetness and complexity of the vermouth, and the bitters to balance everything out is perfection in a glass.

In celebrating "World Whiskey Day", here are my top whiskies from around the world in no particular order. This is not an exhaustive list by any means - there are just too many good ones, but I tried to span the globe to feature whiskey from many different regions and countries. Whether you are a bourbon, scotch, single malt, Irish, Canadian, rye, or white rye fan, there is a little something for everybody here. There are many states in the U.S. producing some great whiskies that are pretty well unknown. In some cases, I listed tasting notes for most of the whiskies.

Now that "World Cocktail Week" is winding down I give you one of my favorite cocktails for "World Cocktail Day". This is also my "Cocktail of the Week". As an added bonus, since I'm in the 'cocktail spirit', I offer you another splendid cocktail that has stood the test of time and consumed by many at my events and when I created it for the summer menu at an upscale Martini Bar & Cocktail Lounge in downtown Harrisburg in 2012. As always, enjoy and libate in moderation.

In celebrating “World Cocktail Week” from May 6-13, this third episode of cocktails from around the globe focuses on Spanish and Mediterranean cocktails leading up to “World Cocktail Day” on the 13th. This week was selected for the prestigious holiday because it marks the first time the word ‘cocktail’ was published back in 1806. The definition appeared in “The Balance and Columbian Repository” and read, “Cocktail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters." I can drink to that!

Sorry there are no photos accompanying the recipes below. I was short on time getting this post together and out to you...Listed are mocktails (first two) and cocktails for mom, especially over brunch...Enjoy! Happy Mother's Day!!!

In celebrating “World Cocktail Week” from May 6-13, I will be offering up cocktails from around the globe focusing on a different region of the world or country's signature drinks culminating in “World Cocktail Day” on the 13th. It will be a long and arduous week of research, writing, editing, and blogging, but I’m up to the challenge with a little help from Three Olives Double Espresso Vodka. This week was selected for the prestigious holiday because it marks the first time the word ‘cocktail’ was published back in 1806.

About Michael Nagy & Raise Your Spirits

Michael has been working in the bar and restaurant industry since 2000 as a head mixologist, liquid bar chef, spirits sommelier, bar manager, bar consultant, and cocktail expert. He holds an Advanced Certification in Mixology Bartending from the Professional Bartending Schools of America and is a former advanced mixology instructor at a prominent national bartending school. He has worked with many local bars and restaurants on developing cocktail menus, improving visibility, and customer service training. His cocktail book "The Cocktail Rediscovered" was released in 2007 and he currently runs a bar and cocktail website/blog here called “Tails from the Barstool”.

Michael is Owner & Operator of “Raise Your Spirits”, an elite bartending, top-shelf cocktail and beverage service, and bar consultation service in Central Pennsylvania since 2013. He has created seasonal cocktail menus for martini bars and cocktail lounges as well as for event venues, individuals, and businesses. He holds a B.S. Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and has Master's credits in Education and Community Psychology. Michael has been writing for Chilled Magazine for over 2 years, other trade publications, and is currently contributing to "The Culture Trip", a travel, lifestyle, and culture site based in L.A. and Epicurious as a community writer. He can be followed on his site here, on Twitter @mixitup42, and Facebook at facebook.com/tailsfromthebarstool.com.

Michael tended bar at a recent party of mine. The drinks were fantastic, and he put a spin on "sex on the beach" that only a mixologist would know to do!! His outgoing personality and the effortless way he engaged my guests made for a fun and stress-free party on my part....Megan

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